Tanya Simon Takes Helm as First Female '60 Minutes' Executive Producer Post-Trump Settlement

In a significant move for broadcast journalism, CBS News has named Tanya Simon as the new executive producer of "60 Minutes," marking her as the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the show's storied history. Simon, who has been with the program for 25 years and previously served on an interim basis, steps into the role after the departure of her predecessor amid turbulent times.

As the daughter of the late, legendary CBS News correspondent Bob Simon, Tanya brings not just experience but a deep-rooted connection to the ethos of impactful storytelling. Her appointment comes at a critical juncture for "60 Minutes," following a high-profile legal settlement between Paramount Global, CBS's parent company, and President Donald Trump. The settlement resolved a lawsuit tied to the show's handling of an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which Trump had criticized as election interference due to edited segments.

CBS News President Tom Cibrowski praised Simon's innovative leadership and ability to inspire, highlighting her understanding of what keeps "60 Minutes" at the pinnacle of investigative journalism. Simon herself expressed her commitment to upholding the show's legacy of thought-provoking content, promising an exciting season ahead.

Inside CBS, the announcement was met with enthusiasm, with staffers seeing Simon's permanent role as a beacon of stability after months of uncertainty. Her leadership is viewed as a return to the founding principles of "60 Minutes," even as the network navigates new editorial policies, including the release of raw interview transcripts for presidential candidates—a direct outcome of the recent settlement.

Yet, the broader context remains charged. Paramount's settlement with Trump drew sharp criticism from some quarters for appearing to concede to political pressure, while unrelated decisions like the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in 2026 have fueled further debate. Still, with Simon at the helm, there’s renewed hope that "60 Minutes" will continue to deliver the hard-hitting, engaging journalism it’s known for.